Working in Oslo: Jobs, Salaries, Startups
Complete employment guide. Job opportunities, startup scene, coworking spaces, and Norwegian work culture.
Business & Work Guides
Working in Oslo
Oslo offers strong employment opportunities across technology, energy, finance, maritime, and public sectors. Norway's work culture emphasizes work-life balance, flat hierarchies, and employee rights.
Average salaries in Oslo are high (€50,000-80,000+ annually for professionals), but so is the cost of living. Taxes are progressive (22-38% income tax), but include comprehensive social benefits including healthcare, education, and generous parental leave.
Job Opportunities for Foreigners
International professionals find excellent opportunities in Oslo's diverse economy. The city actively recruits skilled workers in key sectors.
Technology & IT
Highest demand sector. Software developers, data scientists, and engineers highly sought after.
- • Average salary: €60,000-90,000
- • English-speaking workplaces
- • Visa sponsorship common
Energy Sector
Oil, gas, renewables, and green tech. Major employers: Equinor, Aker Solutions, Statkraft.
- • Average salary: €70,000-100,000
- • Engineers in high demand
- • Green energy focus growing
Healthcare
Doctors, nurses, and specialists needed. Norwegian language often required for patient-facing roles.
- • Average salary: €55,000-85,000
- • License recognition required
- • Strong demand for specialists
Academia & Research
Universities and research institutions. English-language positions common in STEM fields.
- • Average salary: €50,000-75,000
- • PhD often required
- • International environment
Language: English proficiency is common in professional environments, though learning Norwegian significantly improves career opportunities and integration.
Oslo Startup Scene
Oslo has a vibrant startup ecosystem with strong government support, active VC community, and focus on climate tech, fintech, maritime tech, and SaaS.
Support Organizations
- StartupLab → Leading incubator and coworking space
- Innovation Norway → Government funding and grants
- Oslo Business Region → Resources for international entrepreneurs
Notable Oslo Startups
- Kahoot! - Education gaming platform (public)
- Tibber - Smart energy platform
- Oda (formerly Kolonial.no) - Online grocery delivery
- Zwipe - Biometric payment cards
- Cutover - DevOps automation
Norwegian Work Culture
Key Characteristics
- • Flat hierarchies - Managers and employees interact informally, first-name basis
- • Work-life balance - 37.5-hour work weeks standard, overtime discouraged
- • Punctuality valued - Meetings start and end on time, lateness considered rude
- • Consensus-driven - Decisions made collectively, everyone's input valued
- • Direct communication - Honest, straightforward feedback without harsh tone
Generous Benefits
- • 5 weeks paid vacation - Minimum by law, often more
- • Parental leave - 49 weeks full pay or 59 weeks at 80%
- • Sick leave - Full pay from day one, unlimited duration
- • Pension - Employer contributes 2-7% of salary
- • Healthcare - National insurance covers most medical costs
Cultural Note: Norwegians value equality and informality. Don't be surprised if your CEO bikes to work or eats lunch in the same cafeteria as everyone else.
Starting a Business in Oslo
Norway makes it relatively easy to start a business with streamlined registration and strong support systems for entrepreneurs.
Register with Brønnøysund
Register your business at the Brønnøysund Register Centre. Choose business structure: sole proprietorship (enkeltpersonforetak) or limited liability (AS).
Get Organization Number
Receive your unique organization number (organisasjonsnummer) for tax and administrative purposes.
Register for VAT
If expected revenue exceeds 50,000 NOK, register for VAT (merverdiavgift). Standard rate is 25%.
Open Business Bank Account
Open a dedicated business account with a Norwegian bank. Required for AS companies.
Register with Tax Authorities
Complete tax registration with Skatteetaten and set up accounting system for VAT and income tax reporting.
Business Structures
- Sole proprietorship (ENK)
Simple, low cost, personal liability - Limited company (AS)
Limited liability, 30K NOK capital required - Partnership (ANS/DA)
For multiple owners, shared liability